Types of Drinkware for Beer, Wine, and Cocktail | Greatist {{displayTitle}} READ Red solo cups are fine for backyard barbecues and certain country music artists , but when we're hosting a dinner party or feeling fancy, we prefer to drink our adult beverages out of slightly more sophisticated vessels. And, as if feeling like a badass holding a martini weren't enough, there's scientific reason to be choosy about your glass. The container you pour your beverage into can help maximize the aromas and body of the drink to optimize flavor, says David "Rev" Ciancio, owner Idle Hands Bar and director of marketing for Schweid & Sons . Some research even suggests that the shape of your glass can affect how much and how quickly you drink. Glass shape influences consumption rate for alcoholic beverages. Attwood AS, Scott-Samuel NE, Stothart G. PloS one, 2012, Aug.;7(8):1932-6203. Science aside, some glassware exists today because that’s the way people have always enjoyed those drinks, explain Geza Horvath, a sommelier for New York City’s Artisanal Bistro .

And of course the elegance of certain glasses (despite their impracticality) can give individuals a perception of a finer drinking experience, adds Matt Gorecki , a beer expert and consultant. Ready to get the best out of your drink (and stay classy doing it)? Pick your poison below and find out how to make the most of each sip. Beer American Pint Sometimes called a shaker, the American pint typically holds 16 ounces of suds. It has a simple, cylindrical shape that gradually widens at the top and is generally meant for lagers or brown ales, Ciancio explains. Although the large, wide glass is cheap to manufacture and easy to drink out of (making it a staple in most bars), it’s actually not the best way to bring out the aromas and flavors in many craft beers, he adds. (Try one of the options below instead.) Imperial Pint American and imperial pints share the same basic characteristics (they're meant to hold beer, they're cheap, and they're easy to drink from), yet the British version of the pint glass is a 20-ouncer with a slight ridge toward the top that makes it easier for a barback to stack.

Ciancio recommends this glassware for English ales. Pilsner While the name makes it an obvious fit for the classic pilsner, Ciancio adds that other German-style beers like bock or kölsch are also nice to sip from this glass. The tall, tapered shape captures the carbonation and color of a pilsner while allowing a foamy head to form. Snifter Also known as a brandy snifter, cognac glass, or balloon, a snifter is a short-stemmed glass with a wide bottom and relatively narrow top. The wider base allows room for swirling to release aromas, which then get trapped at the narrow top. A rounded bottom makes it easy to cup in your hand, simultaneously warming the liquor. Ciancio recommends using this type of glassware for intense beers with strong aromas like barley wines, strong ales, quads , or wee heavys . This glass is bound to come in handy as well if you’re a brandy drinker. Wheat Beer Glass Similar to pilsner glasses, wheat beer or weizen glasses are a little thinner, allowing for more head (or frothy foam) on the beer, Ciancio explains.

The tall and slender glassware also help amplify aromas and are perfect for their namesake beers. Mugs and Steins While Ciancio cautions against enormous tubs, reasonably sized mugs and steins are ideal for red ales, lagers, porters, stouts, or anything robust with deep flavors. The wide, cylindrical mug has thick glass walls to help insulate your beer, and a large handle makes it easy to carry without inadvertently warming up your drink. Bonus Points for Beer Snobs Look for lace. “If your glass has a nice lace (leftover foam rings) as you drink, that means the person serving you cares about your experience and the glass has been properly cleaned,“ Ciancio says. Steer clear of frosty mugs. A very cold glass can detract from the taste of your brew. “Some beers, like cask ales, are better served at room temperature,” he says. Foam is your friend. While foam may have been a sign of concern in your keg-beer days, don’t fret.

“Obviously you don’t want a glass full of bubbles, but a nice head on a beer not only brings out the aromas, but it also protects the beer from getting too warm too quickly, and keeps the beer moving in your glass,” Ciancio explains. Liquor Martini Though the first sip can be a struggle not to spill, there is a point to the martini glass’s cone shape: It prevents your ingredients from separating, says Betsy Fischman, co-founder of BoozeMenus.com . The long stem also ensures your hands won’t affect the temperature of the drink. As a bonus, “the martini glass is sexy no matter who’s holding it!” Fischman says. Coupe The coupe was the Champagne flute of our grandparents' generation, but today it's morphed into the go-to glass for many cocktails, Fischman says. Think sidecars, daiquiris, and Manhattans. Plus the stem keeps your drink cool, and it looks elegant and inviting. Highball The highball glass is ideal for carbonated cocktails, Fischman says. “It’s best to keep less surface liquid exposed to air,” she explains.

“The more exposed, the quicker the carbonation will evaporate, leaving you with a flat drink.” Order a gin and tonic, scotch and soda, or an anything-and-soda combo, and you’ll often find yourself holding a highball. Lowball “Drinking a cocktail should be a pleasurable experience, and presentation and pleasure go hand-in-hand,” Fischman says. Lowball glasses are ideal for spirits or boozier cocktails (think scotch or brandy served on the rocks) because they average two to four ounces. Nice since drinking a two-ounce cocktail in a 10-ounce highball may feel a little awkward. Wine Tulip or White Wine Glass Usually white and rose wine are served in slender, tulip-shaped glassware, and that's not just because of tradition. Smaller glasses help slow down any rise in temperature from the chilled beverages, while the stem of the glass allows you to hold your drink without your hands heating it up, Horvath explains. Red Wine Glass Red wines should be served in larger, bowl-shaped glasses to increase surface area and allow for more aroma release, Horvath says.

If you only own larger glasses, don’t freak out: White wine in a red glass will only mildly affect the taste, Fischman says, however, the smaller the glass, the colder it will stay. Fischman does warn against Champagne in a red wine glass: The wider the surface area, the quicker it will lose carbonation, resulting in a flat drink. Flute The narrow, tulip-shaped flute is a familiar drinking vessel at weddings and toast-worthy occasions for holding your celebratory bubbly. “The carbonation is the major reason behind the shape,” Horvath says. The glass helps retain Champagne’s trademark carbonation, and the bowl is also designed to visually highlight the rising bubbles. Stemless Glass These are becoming a staple in modern kitchens, with their clean design and easy-to-clean shape (no worries about shattering a delicate stem here!). Stemless glasses are best for reds served at room temp since your hands holding the glass can unintentionally heat up cooler whites and roses. The Bottom Line Is it time to retire red solo cups from your cabinet forever?

Yes, if you ask Ciancio, who says the only time to drink out of a plastic cup is “never.” However, at the end of the day, it’s not just what you’re drinking but also where you’re drinking. “While weddings call for champagne served in crystal, a walk down Bourbon Street should always be complimented by a lampshade-shaped plastic cup,” Fischman says. To that, we say cheers! Best Alcoholic Drink - Top Ten List - TheTopTens® Best Alcoholic Drink The Top Ten 1 Beer Hm, I love beer, English Beer and Larger are the best although I like Australian beer, some American beers like Bud, Canadian beer is good too. I love all beer the Germans know there way round a pint as well. Beer beer beer Despite the taste of it, the thing that inspires me to drink beer is the period it was invented. Beer was discovered in Mesepotamia 9500bc. This is the first alcoholic drink ever made. However, some beer comes from routes (which is basically named route beer). If you think about it, this specific type of beer was developed in a natural atmosphere. I love natural life.

I think it is more fascinating than the common modernness we all have today. Also, some beer comes from hops (which is a female plant grown in Germany). In my opinion, I like beer the most, because it comes naturally. No one ever found out, themselves, how to make it. Beer evolves itself, which I think is fair. Although you still have to beware of alcohol, because you never know what could happen to your head. But despite all other alcoholic drinks, if all those never were discovered in life, beer would be the only type of alcoholic drink we have in the world. I think beer is the greatest one. A real alcoholic drink. It ... more .. Because I think beer is the common alcoholic drinks I've known, and I think base on the people who drink they say it is delicious . Whiskeys to tough campaign costs to much vodka puts my mouth in gear I sing this refrain cause id like to explain as a matter affact I like beer Lol anyone get it V 31 Comments 3 Vodka & Orange Vodka saves my life and definitely is gonna ruin it one day, but until that happens... gimme another round! Gotta love some screwdrivers!

And I agree, vodka is a girl's best friend! Me and my friends love this drink best of em all to me some times we just drink vodka but this is definitely a good one to me. Vodka is the life of the party in my opinion The thing that every person needs V 38 Comments 4 Sex on the Beach So nice and yummy and gets you drunk too, I drink this every time I head out, definitely worth any money spent on it, does the trick and usually quite cheap, yum yum, il have a few for everyone tomorrow night! Definitely Sex on the beach is the best drinks ever I sipped, it drives me stunning and outterlly high. Have a go and see what you will feel I don't tell you. When me and my friends go out this is what we start the evening with so refreshing love it! Don't drink Sex on the Beach frequently but when I do I don't know why I drink anything else. Its refreshing and not strong, but gets you drunk anyway. The best flavored drink I've had.

5 Wine Carbernet makes the people say hey, merlot gets my panties on the flo' Tonic wine (Buckfast) is the greatest of all time, factual info. This is not even up for debate! For what reason do you drink? Just to make head? Or to help you relax and have a great time with other people? My choice as a Greek, is wine with its various tastes, aromas and makes, that can accompany you at every beautiful or difficult moment of your life and rise it to a better state (and always with food) - Vacchus Wine drunk is the best kind of drunk 6 Tequila One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, FLOOR! I think Tequila is the best drink... It's really delicious! As tequila cazadores bottle says: Es para compartir. It tastes great and gets the job done! It's the only liquor I prefer to drink straight. Once in a blue moon I take it with salt and lime. Eating the best Mexican food and drinking Tequila equals bliss!

I like it, I love it, I want some more of it 7 Margarita its great, especially with jose or "Two things Florida can teach the other 49 states: how to make a good margarita and how to deal with the aftermath of a hurricane." by Tom Feeney I love it served in a special huge thick glass cup. Adds a party mood to the great taste! Blend it with ice Margaritas with Patron, on the rocks with salt... My FAVORITE! V 13 Comments 9 Jager Jager + Red Bull = JagerBomb! Best ever! Everyone should try it. Its better than vodka because you don't drink it as fast and you can enjoy the taste of it. In a group of good friends its the best drink! Jager plus Coke = The Bomb. Another good sub for the Jager is Captain Morgan. JagerBomb defines the laws of alcohol. You can have an X amounts of the drink before you drop on the floor like a bomb fell on you. Jagerbomb has a 100& rate at making your night worth while.

Man I'm 16 and I drank a whole bottle and I couldn't remember anything after 10 mins of drinking other than passing out for 4 hours yeah stuff is tastes better but don't drink too much haha V 20 Comments 10 White Russian Black ones are better though. Still awesome. I love how it is just so easy to gulp down, and the Big Lebowski too. Can't go wrong with this drink. I Love White Russian.. Its So Delicious And Yet Its Not That Heavy! Long Live White Russian! The Quality In The Mixture Between Vodka And Lequire, Makes This Drink On Hell Of A Drink Seriously, If You Have Not Tried It Yet, You Should Very Soon! Most amazing drink ever I love to drink this when I'm out with some girlfriends and wanna have a good time! I love white Russians and I highly recommend them if you wanna have a good time without having the horrible taste of gin or whiskey Great drink for a Saturday morning off, also there good when you are hungover and beer or wine just isn't on your mind. Just a smooth ice cold glass of goodness!

The Contenders 11 Champagne (or Sparkling Wine) I don't drink at all, only on special occasions, but I def. can't go without the Champagne on Holidays. - Punisher12 How is this not in the top 10?!? Who can have a nice special occasion without champagne? It's nice, light, and bubbly, and I always feel fancy drinking it ;-). The choice for any celebration, how can it be anywhere else but in the top 5? - crookster Champagne is really good... Wonder why so low on ranks? - zuni 12 Long Island Iced Tea I love a long island. It's a quick buzz drink with a great taste. Almost every time I order a drink it is usually a long Island iced tea. I only get one for the night because it's a strong drink. When a long island is made well with good alcohol you won't taste the alcohol but yet a sweet indulges of southern warmth. everything you could want in one glass - RdrTech Great drink - first night was introduced to it by a friend who never told me what was in it!

End up liking it so much I had 3 pitchers and was in heaven by the second one - best drink ever club wouldn't be the same without it Cures my hangover by making me drunk again V 13 Comments 13 Piña Colada I love Pina Coladas, and getting caught in the rain! Ice, Malibu, Light Coconut Milk, Pineapple juice, with a wedge of pineapple on a hot Summers day - bliss! i LOVE this drink!!! it's so nice, i had it once when i was on holiday in spain... yummmmm!!! - Jeheffiner YUM YUM YUM That's a goooood drink! just don't drink too much or the cream will make you sick :P Three numbers shy of a Top Ten? It's kinda surprising, but not worth any drama. I love piña colada. The first time I had it was on a cruise ship. Been fixated, but not addicted. That's dangerous for any drinks on this list! - Thifer20 V 6 Comments 14 Gin and Tonic Simply the best. The drink of Kings. Winston Churchill drank it and he defeated the Nazis. No further comment needed. Light and refreshing.

Tastes like lemonade and who doesn't like lemonade Great summer drink! And with diet tonic water, also low in calories. My friend has it and he said that it's very refreshing 15 Vodka I was cold when I drank it and after I was chilling it's a very good drink This drink is absolutely delicious I tried it while on a cruise with my hubby. 17 Absinth Absinth, ah... How I love you! Definitely one of the best shots to ever enter your mouth, delicious, a big burner, but gets your ass to the dance floor if your conscience isn't allowing you to Green fearie... You should read Edgar Allen Poe's definition of Absinth. Absinth has been my favourite drink since I was 13 years old in the gutter. She goes well with learning life skills and it sure did teach me a lot Finished my first bottle and another one...can't get enough V 12 Comments 18 Jager Bomb Jager bomb is the best I had it and I got drunk all it is well what I do is mix jager with red bull or monster whatever you prefer and you get drunk This is definitely. The best drink. Like hands down.

Good taste, and it gets you drunk Jager Bomb. Jager Bomb. Jager Bomb. It's the best jag combo I've had 19 Cannabis Vodka Just the title alone stands out to be a killer drink. Wanna know how its done? How is done, it sounds interesting I heard my grlfriend talk about it I thought she was just jocking around. I'm not a huge drinker, but I'm a hell of a stoner, so this is my drink V 2 Comments 20 Cosmopolitan Used to order only Mojitos but got tired of there always being a lack of an ingredient to prevent them making it so I ordered a Grey Goose Cosmo one time and fell in love. Wife told me later that Sex In The City made it famous. Don't care about that but love the drink. Let's Get Drunk! The Healthiest Ways To Drink Alcohol Let's Get Drunk! The Healthiest Ways To Drink Alcohol Feb 18, 2014 05:06 PM By Anthony Rivas Close E-mail Let’s face it, it’s hard seeing the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise when we’re always going out for some drinks with friends.

Beer is filling and full of carbs, mixed drinks are too sugary, and wine… well, these are nights of debauchery. How can we drink our alcohol and have flat stomachs too? First off, a warning. The healthiest ways to drink alcohol still aren’t really healthy. After all, too much of a good thing, even “healthier” alcohol, can land you in the hospital with alcohol poisoning , and that would be the least of your worries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines a single serving of beer or wine cooler as 12 oz.; malt liquor as 8 oz.; wine as 5 oz.; and 80 proof alcohol — the standard — as 1.5 oz. A woman who drinks more than one a day, or a man who drinks more than two a day is considered to be a heavy drinker. And finally, women who drink more than four drinks, or men who drink more than five drinks within a couple of hours, are considered to be binge drinkers. But hey, we’re all responsible adults, right? Now onto getting drunk.

Drink Liquor Neat or On the Rocks, Avoid Mixers Straight liquor, though not so tasty, is healthiest if served neat (alone and meant to be sipped) or on the rocks (with a little ice). That means vodka, gin, whiskey, and scotch are all fair game. It’s the clearer types of alcohol, however, that go easier on the body. They also go easier on calories. One serving of vodka contains only 97 calories and zero carbs, while a serving of gin has about 110 calories and zero carbs. Whiskey and Scotch actually have some flavor though, and for the most part, they stick within the caloric range of gin and vodka. Drinking alcohol regularly and living a healthy lifestyle may almost seem impossible. If you find yourself wondering what the healthiest way to drink is, this is how. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock Although liquor served neat or on the rocks usually comes as a double shot, the whole point is to drink them moderately. That way, you don’t finish it right away, and then look for whatever is next. Drinking them like this also avoids caloric mixers like ginger ale or pineapple juice.

Even though they taste really good, one serving of pineapple juice adds on an extra 133 calories and 32 grams of carbs, while ginger ale has 124 calories and also 32 grams of carbs — and those are on the low end of mixers. Wine OK fine, the night ended up being a little classier than expected. Wine is a pretty healthy alternative to hard liquor — it’s also much tastier if you’re not used to them. Although a 5-ounce serving may be a slightly heftier 100 to 150 calories, and about 5 grams of carbs. Essentially, drinking healthily is a tradeoff. For a few extra calories and carbs, wine has a few proven health benefits, which are believed to come from high concentrations of the antioxidant resveratrol. Studies have shown that the antioxidant may be able to lower bad cholesterol while boosting good cholesterol, as well as reduce the risk of depression , cancer , and diabetes . Beer: My Heart Says No, But My Mind Says Yes Beer is delicious. Unfortunately, almost every beer you drink will be high in calories and carbs. It will get you full and you will develop a beer belly.

Drinking beer healthily is where simply trading off becomes the ultimate sacrifice. According to Beer100 , the majority of beers come in at over 130 calories, and finding one that has less than, say, five grams of carbs is near impossible — some have as many as 24 grams. If wine, hard liquor, and abstinence are out of the question, then light beer is going to do some justice. Miller Light has only 96 calories and 3.2 grams of carbs; Bud Light has 110 calories and 6.6 grams of carbs; and Coors Light has 104 calories and 5.3 grams of carbs. These beers are great for being healthy, but will you really only drink one of two? With lower calories and carbs, they also come with lower alcohol contents, which may cause you drink more to get drunk — a balance any beer drinker might want to think about. If you’re going to try to avoid light beers and still be healthy, Guinness and other stouts are a good option. More often than not, stouts are made with whole grains, which give them their darker, caramel flavor.

Compared to a lager , both have vitamins B12 and soluble fiber, but only stouts have antioxidants. Some evidence even suggests these antioxidants can have the same health benefits as wine, by reducing the risk of blood clots and other heart problems. Eat! And Drink Water Although these are all healthier ways to drink, the key to “healthy” drinking is really moderation. One way to do this is drinking water in-between alcoholic drinks. It will help you gauge how much you’ve had, how drunk you are, and whether or not you should stop. To an extent, drinking water after a night out can also prevent a hangover. Eating food before you start drinking — especially something with starch or dairy — can coat the stomach in preparation for the alcoholic attack it’s about to endure and prevent symptoms like nausea, upset stomach, and headaches, according to Forbes . On top of that, the food will soak up some of the alcohol, mediating the body’s process of absorbing alcohol. If you didn’t get a chance to eat before you started drinking, there’s no better time than the present. Drinking on an empty stomach has been shown to get people drunk faster, and getting drunk faster could lead to more drinking as the night goes on.

Instead, try eating something — celery, carrots, nuts, or even dinner — while you drink. The trick is to be smart about what you’re eating, and to avoid letting alcohol-induced inhibitions sway you toward fattier foods like pizza or fast foods. Top 10 Strongest Alcoholic Drinks In The World Bringing you the Latest News, Entertainment and More Top 10 Strongest Alcoholic Drinks In The World If you like a tipple why not try one of these strongest alcoholic drinks in the world but don’t over do it… some of these will knock your socks off! 10 Grappa 120 Proof Grappa is a fragrant, grape-based pomace brandy of Italian origin that contains 35%–60% alcohol by volume or 70 to 120 US proof. Originally made to prevent waste by using these leftovers such as seeds, grape skin and grape stems. It is a very potent Brandy with a wine flavor. 9 Sierra Tequila Silver 150 Proof Sierra Tequila Silver is a well aged clear tequila.

It has a full, fruity, fresh aroma, which can be flavored with many ingrdients such as light chilli, green apples or young pineapple to vanilla, caramel and wild herb aromas and distilled in copper pot stills. 8 Bacardi 151 Proof This highly alcoholic rum is made by Bacardi Limited of Hamilton, Bermuda. It is VERY inflammable and so comes with a steel flame arrester built in to the bottle neck. It has been available in the USA since 1981. It is usually used as a base for sweet cocktails. 7 John Crow Batty Rum 160 Proof This Jamaican white rum is a local version of moonshine. The legendarily potent John Crow Batty was so name because it is supposedly stronger than stomach acids of “John Crow” vultures, which snack on decaying meat. It is said If you can drink to that, you can probably drink to anything. 6 Balkan 176 Proof Vodka This triple distilled Vodka is so strong that it carries 13 health warnings on the side of the bottle. Imported from the Balkans comes the incredible vodka has superior strength, made in small quantities to achieve very high quality.

It is highly recommended that you only drink this with mixes, if you try to drink it neat you will probably end up in hospital. 5 Absinthe 179 Proof This drink is distilled from herbs including the flowers and leaves of the medicinal plant Artemisia Absinthium and is a very alcoholic drink. it became popular in the 19th century and by the year 1900 the French were drinking 2 million liters a year, by 1910 this increased to a wapping 36 million liters a year. In 1915 it was banned in many countries in Europe and the United States. A modern revival of the drink started in 1990 and in 2004 it became legal to make Absinthe once more. 4 Bruichladdich X4 Quadrupled Whiskey 184 Proof This quadruple-distilled blockbuster dram is distilled on the Rhinns of the isle of Islay in Scotland since 1881 and is a very high quality single malt whiskey.

The legend about this whiskey says, in 1695 Martin Martin, a Hebridean traveller spoke of an ancient powerful spirit, which translates from the Gaelic as “perilous whisky”. He was told by the locals: “one sip and you live forever; two sips and you go blind; three sips and you expire on the spot”. 3 Golden Grain 190 Proof Golden Grain Alcohol is a neutral grain spirit that is available at 95% alcohol (190 proof), manufactured by Luxco (formerly the David Sherman Company), now called Everclear in the United States. 2 Everclear Grain 190 Proof This crystal clear vodka was banned in the United States and Canada for many years but recently a new law has been passed legalizing it. It does not have much taste so is ideal for mixing with other drinks but if you attempted to drink it straight you would end up on your back in a very short time. In 1979 is was named the most alcoholic drink by the Guinness Book of World Records.

1 Spirytus Polish Vodka 192 Proof Said to have a gentle smell and mild taste, Spirytus is a top class rectified 192 Proof Vodka made from premium ethyl alcohol with a grain base. In Poland its uses vary from preparing fruit and herbal liqueurs, vodkas and desserts to medical purposes. it’s currently number 1 top of the list as the most alcoholic liquor available in the world today. Healthiest Alcohol - Alcohol is Healthy How to Drink Yourself Healthy How to Drink Yourself Healthy You don't need a medicine man to know which way your liver goes. Still, even Dr. Oz agrees that moderate drinkers have better-than-average health . And we're not just talking connoisseurs of red wine, which is loaded with antioxidants, making it a clear choice among the people who, um, prescribe this method. Alcohol, in general, lowers your risk of gallstones and could help prevent diabetes. And many of your favorite drinks have their own health benefits hidden within them. We caught up on the latest research, and the good news is this: next time you make a toast to good health, you can actually mean it.

iStock Photo Red Wine: Why It Wins Red Wine: Why It Wins Scientists single out the wine's polyphenols (antioxidants occurring naturally in the grape skin) which protect the lining of the heart's blood vessels. An antimicrobial substance called Reservatrol can also help prevent damage to blood vessels, discourage blood clotting, and reduce bad cholesterol. Recently, studies have shown that drinking red wine also can decrease lung cancer risk, along with those powerful polyphenols fighting off Alzheimer's disease. Alcohol and Health: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly Alcohol and Health: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly We’ve been getting a lot of mixed messages about alcohol. On one hand, moderate amounts have been linked to health benefits. On the other hand, it is addictive and highly toxic when we drink too much of it. The truth is that the health effects of alcohol are actually quite complex. They vary between individuals, and depend on the amount consumed and the type of alcoholic beverage. So, how does alcohol affect your health? Let’s have a look… What is Alcohol and Why do People Drink it? The active ingredient in alcoholic beverages is called ethanol.

Generally referred to as “alcohol,” ethanol is the substance that makes you drunk. Ethanol is produced by yeasts when they digest sugar in certain carb rich foods, such as grapes (wine) or grains (beer). Alcohol is the most popular recreational “drug” in the world. It can have very powerful effects on your mood and mental state. Alcohol can reduce self-consciousness and shyness, making it easier for people to act without inhibition. At the same time, it can impair judgment and make people do things that they end up regretting ( 1 , 2 ). Some people drink small amounts at a time, while others tend to binge drink. Binge drinking involves drinking large amounts at a time, in order to get drunk. Advertisement Bottom Line: Ethanol is the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks, generally referred to as “alcohol.” It can have powerful effects on your mental state. Alcohol is Neutralized by the Liver The liver is a remarkable organ with hundreds of functions in the body. One of its main functions is to neutralize all sorts of toxic substances we consume. For this reason, the liver is particularly vulnerable to damage by alcohol intake ( 3 ). Liver diseases caused by alcohol consumption are collectively called alcoholic liver diseases .

The first of these to appear is fatty liver , characterized by increased fat inside liver cells. Fatty liver develops in 90% of those who drink more than 16 g (about half an ounce) of alcohol per day and is usually symptomless and fully reversible ( 4 , 5 ). In heavy drinkers, binge drinking may cause the liver to become inflamed. In worst case scenarios, liver cells die and get replaced with scar tissue, leading to a serious condition called cirrhosis ( 3 , 6 , 7 ). Cirrhosis is irreversible and associated with many serious health problems. In advanced cirrhosis, getting a new liver (a liver transplant) may be the only option. Bottom Line: Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, and frequent consumption can lead to increased fat inside liver cells. Alcohol abuse can lead to cirrhosis, a very serious condition. Alcohol and the Brain Excessive alcohol consumption can have numerous adverse effects on the brain. Ethanol basically reduces communication between brain cells, a short-term effect responsible for many of the symptoms of being drunk. Binge drinking may even lead to a blackout , a phenomenon characterized by memory loss (amnesia) during a heavy drinking episode ( 8 ).

These effects are only temporary, but chronic alcohol abuse may cause permanent changes in the brain, often leading to impaired brain function ( 9 , 10 , 11 ). The brain is actually very sensitive to damage caused by chronic alcohol abuse ( 12 ), which may increase the risk of dementia ( 13 ) and cause brain shrinkage in middle-aged and elderly people ( 14 , 15 ). In worst case scenarios, the severity of brain damage may impair people’s ability to lead an independent life. Conversely, drinking moderately has been linked with reduced risk of dementia, especially in elderly people ( 16 , 17 , 18 ). Bottom Line: While alcohol intoxication is only temporary, chronic alcohol abuse can impair brain function permanently. However, moderate drinking may have benefits for brain health, especially among elderly people. Alcohol and Depression The association of alcohol intake and depression is close but complex ( 19 ). While alcohol intake and depression seem to increase the risk of each other simultaneously, alcohol abuse may be the stronger causal factor ( 20 , 21 , 22 ). Many people suffering from anxiety and depression drink intentionally to reduce stress and improve mood ( 23 , 24 ).

This may work for a few hours, but will worsen overall mental health and lead to a vicious cycle. Heavy drinking has actually been shown to be a major cause of depression in some individuals, and treating the alcohol abuse leads to big improvements ( 25 , 26 , 27 ). Advertisement Bottom Line: Alcohol abuse and depression are linked. People may start abusing alcohol due to depression, or become depressed from abusing alcohol. Alcohol and Body Weight Obesity is a serious health concern. Alcohol is actually the second most energy rich nutrient after fat, providing about 7 calories per gram. Beer contains a similar amount of calories as sugary soft drinks , ounce for ounce, whereas red wine contains twice as much ( 28 , 29 , 30 ). However, studies investigating the link between alcohol and weight have provided inconsistent results ( 31 ). It seems that drinking habits and preferences may play a role. For example, moderate drinking is linked to reduced weight gain ( 32 , 33 ), whereas heavy drinking is linked to increased weight gain ( 34 ). Also, drinking beer regularly may cause weight gain ( 35 , 36 ), whereas wine consumption may reduce it ( 31 , 35 ).

Bottom Line: The evidence on alcohol and weight gain is mixed. Heavy drinking and beer are linked to increased weight gain, while moderate drinking and wine are linked to reduced weight gain. Alcohol and Cardiovascular Health Cardiovascular disease is the leading causes of death in modern society. It is actually a broad category of diseases, the most common of which are heart attacks and strokes. The relationship between alcohol and cardiovascular disease is complex, and seems to depend on several factors. Light to moderate drinking is linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, while heavy drinking appears to increase the risk ( 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ). There are several possible reasons for the beneficial effects of drinking moderately. Moderate alcohol consumption may: Raise HDL (the “good”) cholesterol in the bloodstream ( 41 ). Decrease blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease ( 42 ). Lower the concentration of fibrinogen in the blood, a substance that contributes to blood clots ( 43 ). Cut the risk of diabetes ( 44 ), another major risk factor of heart disease. Reduce stress and anxiety temporarily ( 41 , 45 ).

Bottom Line: Moderate alcohol consumption is linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, but heavy drinking appears to increase the risk. Alcohol and Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes is a common metabolic disease, currently affecting about 8% of the world’s population ( 46 ). Characterized by abnormally high blood sugar, type 2 diabetes is caused by reduced uptake of glucose (blood sugar) by cells, a phenomenon known as insulin resistance . Drinking alcohol in moderation appears to reduce insulin resistance, helping to fight the main symptoms of diabetes ( 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ). As a result, drinking alcohol with meals may cut the rise in blood sugar by 16-37% compared to water ( 51 ). Blood sugar between meals (fasting blood glucose) may also go down ( 52 ). In fact, the overall risk of diabetes tends to be reduced with moderate alcohol consumption. However, when it comes to heavy drinking and binge drinking, the risk is increased ( 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ). Bottom Line: Moderate alcohol consumption may reduce symptoms of type 2 diabetes by enhancing the uptake of blood sugar by cells.

Alcohol and Cancer Cancer is a serious disease caused by abnormal growth of cells. Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for cancers of the mouth, throat, colon, breast, and liver ( 57 , 58 , 59 ). The cells lining the mouth and throat are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol. Not surprising, since they are directly exposed to the stuff. Even light alcohol consumption, 1 drink per day, is linked to a 20% increased risk of mouth and throat cancer ( 59 , 60 ). The risk increases with the daily amount consumed. More than 4 drinks daily appear to cause a five-fold increase in the risk of mouth and throat cancer, and also increase the risk of breast, colon and liver cancer ( 58 , 59 , 61 , 62 ). Bottom Line: Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, especially mouth and throat cancer. Drinking During Pregnancy May Cause Birth Defects Alcohol abuse during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of birth defects in the US ( 63 ). Binge drinking early in pregnancy is particularly risky for the developing baby ( 64 ).

In fact, it may have adverse effects on development, growth, intelligence, and behavior, which may affect the child for the rest of its life ( 63 ). Bottom Line: Alcohol abuse is one of the world’s most common causes of birth defects. The fetus is particularly vulnerable early in pregnancy. Alcohol and Risk of Death Abraham Lincoln once said, “It has long been recognized that the problems with alcohol relate not to the use of a bad thing, but to the abuse of a good thing.” Interestingly, there appears to be a grain of truth in his words. Studies suggest that light and moderate consumption of alcohol may to cut the risk of premature death, especially in Western societies ( 65 , 66 ). At the same time, alcohol abuse is the third main cause of preventable death in the US ( 67 ), being an important cause of chronic diseases, accidents, traffic crashes, and social problems. Bottom Line: Moderate alcohol consumption may increase life expectancy, while alcohol abuse is a strong risk factor for premature death. Alcohol is Addictive, Leading to Alcoholism in Predisposed Individuals Some people become addicted to the effects of alcohol, a condition called alcohol dependence (alcoholism).

An estimated 12% of Americans are believed to have been dependent on alcohol at some point in their life ( 68 ). Alcohol dependence is one of the main causes of alcohol abuse and disability in the US and a strong risk factor for various diseases ( 69 ). Numerous factors can predispose people to problem drinking, such as family history, social environment, mental health, and genes. Many different subtypes of alcohol dependence have been defined, characterized by alcohol cravings, inability to abstain, or loss of self-control when drinking ( 70 ). As a rule of thumb, if alcohol is causing problems in your life, then you may have a problem with alcohol dependence or alcoholism. Advertisement Bottom Line: Alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol dependence, or alcoholism, in predisposed individuals. Alcohol Abuse Can be Absolutely Disastrous For Health Heavy drinking is the most common form of drug abuse. Chronic alcohol abuse can have catastrophic health effects, affecting the entire body and causing a range of health problems.

For example, it can cause liver damage (including cirrhosis), brain damage, heart failure, diabetes, cancer and infections, to name a few ( 9 , 54 , 58 , 71 , 72 , 73 ). Getting into all the horrible effects of alcohol abuse is beyond the scope of this article. However, let’s just say that if you are a heavy drinker, diet and exercise should be the least of your worries. Getting your consumption under control, or abstaining completely in the case of alcoholism, should be priority number one. Bottom Line: Chronic alcohol abuse can have severe detrimental effects on your body and brain, increasing the risk of all sorts of diseases. Which Type of Alcoholic Beverage is the Best (or Least Bad)? What you drink matters less than how much you drink. However, some alcoholic drinks are better than others. Red wine appears to be particularly beneficial, because it is very high in healthy antioxidants . In fact, it is linked to more health benefits than any other alcoholic beverage ( 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 ). That being said, consuming high amounts does not equal greater health benefits.

Heavy drinking causes health problems, regardless of the type of beverage. Bottom Line: Red wine is probably the healthiest alcoholic beverage, probably due to its high concentration of antioxidants. How Much is Too Much? Recommendations for alcohol intake are usually based on the number of standard drinks per day. The problem is, most people have no idea what the term “standard drink” actually means. To make things worse, the official definition of a standard drink differs between countries. In the US, one standard drink is any drink that contains 14 grams (0.6 fluid ounces) of pure alcohol (ethanol). This image shows the “standard drink” amount for some popular alcoholic drinks: Photo Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Moderate drinking is defined as 1 standard drink per day for women and 2 drinks for men. On the other hand, heavy drinking is defined as more than 3 drinks per day for women and 4 drinks for men ( 79 ). Drinking patterns are also important. Binge drinking is a form of alcohol abuse and can cause harm. Bottom Line: Moderate drinking is defined as 1 “standard drink” per day for women, and 2 drinks for men.

Take Home Message At the end of the day, the health effects of alcohol range from “probably good” to “absolutely disastrous.” Drinking small amounts, especially of red wine, is linked to various health benefits. On the other hand, alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction are linked to severe negative effects on both physical and mental health. If you enjoy alcohol and you can keep it moderate, then by all means continue to do what you are doing. However, if you tend to drink excessively, or alcohol causes problems in your life, then consider avoiding it as much as possible. Alcohol is one of those things that depend entirely on the individual. It’s good for some, disastrous for others. Hopefully, this article, which examines both the pros and cons, can help you make an informed decision. What Is Alcohol? Is Alcohol a Drug? Alcohol Content - Drug-Free World Photo credits: Stockxpert Alcohol is a drug. It is classed as a depressant, meaning that it slows down vital functions—resulting in slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions and an inability to react quickly.

As for how it affects the mind, it is best understood as a drug that reduces a person’s ability to think rationally and distorts his or her judgment. Although classified as a depressant, the amount of alcohol consumed determines the type of effect. Most people drink for the stimulant effect, such as a beer or glass of wine taken to “loosen up.” But if a person consumes more than the body can handle, they then experience alcohol’s depressant effect. They start to feel “stupid” or lose coordination and control. Alcohol overdose causes even more severe depressant effects (inability to feel pain, toxicity where the body vomits the poison, and finally unconsciousness or, worse, coma or death from severe toxic overdose). These reactions depend on how much is consumed and how quickly. There are different kinds of alcohol. Ethyl alcohol (ethanol), the only alcohol used in beverages, is produced by the fermentation of grains and fruits. Fermenting is a chemical process whereby yeast acts upon certain ingredients in the food, creating alcohol. Alcohol content Fermented drinks, such as beer and wine, contain from 2% alcohol to 20% alcohol.

Distilled drinks, or liquor, contain from 40% to 50% or more alcohol. The usual alcohol content for each is: Photo credits: Stockxpert CDC - Frequently Asked Questions - Alcohol Frequently Asked Questions To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Enter Email Address Is it okay to drink when pregnant? What is alcohol? Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is an intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol is produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches. Top of Page How does alcohol affect a person? Alcohol affects every organ in the body. It is a central nervous system depressant that is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver by enzymes; however, the liver can only metabolize a small amount of alcohol at a time, leaving the excess alcohol to circulate throughout the body. The intensity of the effect of alcohol on the body is directly related to the amount consumed. Why do some people react differently to alcohol than others? Individual reactions to alcohol vary, and are influenced by many factors; such as: Age. Physical condition (weight, fitness level, etc). Amount of food consumed before drinking.

How quickly the alcohol was consumed. Use of drugs or prescription medicines. Family history of alcohol problems. Top of Page What is a standard drink in the United States? A standard drink is equal to 14.0 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. Generally, this amount of pure alcohol is found in 12-ounces of beer (5% alcohol content). 8-ounces of malt liquor (7% alcohol content). 5-ounces of wine (12% alcohol content). 1.5-ounces or a “shot” of 80-proof (40% alcohol content) distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, whiskey). Top of Page Is beer or wine safer to drink than liquor? No. One 12-ounce beer has about the same amount of alcohol as one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5-ounce shot of liquor. It is the amount of alcohol consumed that affects a person most, not the type of alcoholic drink. Top of Page What does moderate drinking mean? According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,1 moderate alcohol consumption is defined as having up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men.

This definition is referring to the amount consumed on any single day and is not intended as an average over several days. However, the Dietary Guidelines do not recommend that individuals who do not drink alcohol start drinking for any reason. Top of Page Is it safe to drink alcohol and drive? No. Alcohol use slows reaction time and impairs judgment and coordination, which are all skills needed to drive a car safely.2 The more alcohol consumed, the greater the impairment. Top of Page What does it mean to be above the legal limit for drinking? The legal limit for drinking is the alcohol level above which an individual is subject to legal penalties (e.g., arrest or loss of a driver's license). Legal limits are measured using either a blood alcohol test or a breathalyzer. Legal limits are typically defined by state law, and may vary based on individual characteristics, such as age and occupation. All states in the United States have adopted 0.08% (80 mg/dL) as the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle for drivers aged 21 years or older. However, drivers younger than 21 are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle with any level of alcohol in their system.

Note: Legal limits do not define a level below which it is safe to operate a vehicle or engage in some other activity. Impairment due to alcohol use begins to occur at levels well below the legal limit. Top of Page How do I know if it’s okay to drink? According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans1, some people should not drink alcoholic beverages at all, including: Anyone younger than age 21. Women who are or may be pregnant. Individuals who are driving, planning to drive, or are participating in other activities requiring skill, coordination, and alertness. Individuals taking certain prescription or over-the-counter medications that can interact with alcohol. Individuals with certain medical conditions. Persons recovering from alcoholism or are unable to control the amount they drink. The Dietary Guidelines also recommend that if alcohol is consumed, it should be in moderation—up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men—and only by adults of legal drinking age. However, the Guidelines do not recommend that individuals who do not drink alcohol start drinking for any reason. By following the Dietary Guidelines, you can reduce the risk of harm to yourself or others.

Top of Page What is excessive alcohol use? Top of Page What is binge drinking? According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism binge drinking is defined as a pattern of alcohol consumption that brings the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level to 0.08% or more. This pattern of drinking usually corresponds to 5 or more drinks on a single occasion for men or 4 or more drinks on a single occasion for women, generally within about 2 hours.3 Top of Page What do you mean by heavy drinking? For men, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 15 drinks or more per week. For women, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 8 drinks or more per week. Top of Page What is the difference between alcoholism and alcohol abuse? Alcohol abuse4 is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work. Manifestations of alcohol abuse include the following: Failure to fulfill major responsibilities at work, school, or home. Drinking in dangerous situations, such as drinking while driving or operating machinery. Legal problems related to alcohol, such as being arrested for drinking while driving or for physically hurting someone while drunk.

Continued drinking despite ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by drinking. Long-term alcohol abuse can turn into alcohol dependence. Dependency on alcohol, also known as alcohol addiction and alcoholism4, is a chronic disease. The signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence include— A strong craving for alcohol. Continued use despite repeated physical, psychological, or interpersonal problems. The inability to limit drinking. Top of Page What does it mean to get drunk? “Getting drunk” or intoxicated is the result of consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. Binge drinking typically results in acute intoxication. Alcohol intoxication can be harmful for a variety of reasons, including— Impaired brain function resulting in poor judgment, reduced reaction time, loss of balance and motor skills, or slurred speech. Dilation of blood vessels causing a feeling of warmth but resulting in rapid loss of body heat. Increased risk of certain cancers, stroke, and liver diseases (e.g., cirrhosis), particularly when excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed over extended periods of time. Damage to a developing fetus if consumed by pregnant women. Increased risk of motor-vehicle traffic crashes, violence, and other injuries.5 Coma and death can occur if alcohol is consumed rapidly and in large amounts.

Top of Page How do I know if I have a drinking problem? Drinking is a problem if it causes trouble in your relationships, in school, in social activities, or in how you think and feel. If you are concerned that either you or someone in your family might have a drinking problem, consult your personal health care provider. Top of Page What can I do if I or someone I know has a drinking problem? Consult your personal health care provider if you feel you or someone you know has a drinking problem. Other resources include the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service available at 1-800-662-HELP. This service can provide you with information about treatment programs in your local community and allow you to speak with someone about alcohol problems.6 Top of Page What health problems are associated with excessive alcohol use? Excessive drinking both in the form of heavy drinking or binge drinking, is associated with numerous health problems5, including— Chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis (damage to liver cells); pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas); various cancers, including liver, mouth, throat, larynx (the voice box), and esophagus; high blood pressure; and psychological disorders.

Unintentional injuries, such as motor-vehicle traffic crashes, falls, drowning, burns and firearm injuries. Violence, such as child maltreatment, homicide, and suicide. Harm to a developing fetus if a woman drinks while pregnant, such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders . Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Alcohol abuse or dependence. Top of Page I’m young. Is drinking bad for my health? Yes.7, 8 Studies have shown that alcohol use by youth and young adults increases the risk of both fatal and nonfatal injuries.9, 10, 11 Research has also shown that youth who use alcohol before age 15 are six times more likely to become alcohol dependent than adults who begin drinking at age 21.12 Other consequences of youth alcohol use include increased risky sexual behaviors, poor school performance, and increased risk of suicide and homicide.13, 14, 155 Top of Page Is it okay to drink when pregnant? No. There is no safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant should refrain from drinking alcohol.16 Several conditions, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders , have been linked to alcohol use during pregnancy.

Women of child bearing age should also avoid binge drinking to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and potential exposure of a developing fetus to alcohol. References U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015 – 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans . 8th Edition, Washington, DC; 2015. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Available at . Mixing Alcohol and Diabetes - OneTouch® OneTouch® Delica® lancing system OneTouch® Delica® lancing system Designed for comfortable testing. Featuring Advanced Glide® Control System. Lancets available in two sizes: 30G Fine and 33G Extra Fine. Mixing Alcohol with Your Diabetes You can drink if your diabetes is well controlled—and you take the right precautions People with diabetes often assume alcohol is off limits. Not so! For most people, keeping an eye on how much and what you drink will help avoid the alcohol-related pitfalls of low glucose levels, weight gain and high blood pressure. Before having an alcoholic drink, ask yourself three questions recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA): Is my diabetes under control? Does my health care provider agree that I can consume alcohol?

Do I know how alcohol can affect me and my diabetes? If you answer yes to all three questions, it's probably OK to have a drink. But make sure you know the potential effects of alcohol as well as your personal limitations. What happens when you drink? Normally, when blood glucose levels drop, the liver converts the body's stored carbohydrate into glucose. Sent into the bloodstream, this glucose helps avoid or slow down a low blood glucose reaction (hypoglycemia). This process is interrupted when alcohol enters your system. The liver's first priority is to clear the alcohol from your blood quickly, and it will not put more glucose into the bloodstream until it has detoxified the alcohol. As blood glucose levels fall, you can quickly become hypoglycemic Treat hypoglycemia quickly Because alcohol's effects on glucose can last up to 12 hours, you may want to test your blood glucose before going to bed. If it is at a safe level—between 100 and 140 mg/dL—you should be fine. If it's lower, eat a snack—half a sandwich, yogurt, cold cereal, cheese and crackers, apple and peanut butter—to raise it.

To help prevent low glucose levels when drinking alcohol, eat a carbohydrate-containing meal or snack with your beverage. Hypoglycemia can mimic effects of alcohol Some early warning signs of low blood glucose levels, such as dizziness, disorientation and sleepiness, can mimic drunken behavior. This could cause others to mistake your hypoglycemic symptoms for the effects of alcohol, and they may not realize they need to seek help. Make sure your friends know that low blood glucose and drunken behavior share common features. You also may want to wear a bracelet or other ID tag identifying you as having diabetes. Good drink choices The ADA recommends no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men. One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of liquor. Light beers or dry wines are good choices because they have less alcohol and fewer calories. If you enjoy mixed drinks, use diet soft drinks, water or seltzer as your mixers. Avoid drinks high in sugar like sweet wines or sugary mixed drinks like piña coladas or wine coolers. You can exchange the calories from alcohol for those you would otherwise get from a serving of fat.

But, never substitute alcohol for a meal. If you drink alcohol regularly, tell your doctor or diabetes educator during your check-up and before diabetes medication is prescribed, especially if your drinking pattern has changed recently. When to avoid alcohol Having one drink at a party is not a problem for most people, but certain people should avoid alcohol entirely, especially if they already suffer from some of the complications of diabetes. If you have nerve damage in your arms and legs (peripheral neuropathy), alcohol could increase the burning or tingling sensation in your hands and feet. People with eye damage (diabetic retinopathy), uncontrolled high blood pressure, high triglycerides or kidney damage also should be extra cautious, as alcohol may worsen these conditions. Alcohol can increase your risk of high blood pressure, a leading cause of kidney disease. If you have high blood pressure, alcohol can interfere with your hypertensive medicines and make it harder to control your blood pressure. Be aware that combining alcohol with some oral diabetes medications, especially chlorpropamide (Diabinese®), can cause flushing of the face, arms and neck.

You may notice other common subtle symptoms as well, such as lightheadedness, difficulty with balance or stomach irritation; if so, avoid further alcohol until you discuss it with your health care provider. Generally, as long as the symptoms are not life threatening, it is OK to continue cautious alcohol consumption with careful blood glucose monitoring. Alcohol and heart health Many studies have linked light to moderate alcohol consumption with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, something everyone with diabetes worries about. But if you don't drink, don't start. The potential cardiovascular benefits are not great enough to warrant it. One thing is certain: drinking too much alcohol will erase any potential benefits as well as worsen diabetes-related complications like nerve damage and kidney and eye disease. The bottom line when it comes to drinking is this: There's no substitute for modest portions and control. Sip, don't guzzle your drink. Savor it. Top tips if you drink alcohol 1Limit alcohol to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men if your diabetes is well controlled. If you haven't achieved good control, don't drink. 2Choose lower-calorie light beers, dry wines or drinks mixed with diet soft drinks, tonic water or seltzer.

3Tell your doctor or diabetes educator if you drink alcohol regularly or if your drinking habits have recently changed. 4Always eat a meal or snack when you drink to ward off hypoglycemia. Test glucose before going to bed if you've had a drink that evening. If it's too low, eat a snack. 5You can exchange the calories from alcohol for those you would otherwise get from a serving of fat. But never substitute alcohol for a meal. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Question: Malmsey is a type of which alcoholic drink?
Answer: Wine